9 Dumb Ideas About Smoking Cigarettes

The dangers of smoking cigarettes have become so well known that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict a smoking ban in every state by 2020. That includes having a ban on smoking indoors, putting to rest any secondhand smoke myths that people may cling to about non-smoker safety. But there are still other smoking myths that need to be blown away. According to the American Heart Association, 46 million Americans are still smoking, and the majority want to quit. If you are one of them, separating smoking myths from smoking facts can help you kick the habit for good.

Some Cigarettes Are Safer

"That old myth has to go," says Eleana M. Conway, NP, a nurse practitioner who helps people quit smoking at the Lahey Clinic's smoking cessation program in Burlington, Mass. There are no safe cigarettes and the nicotine in a so-called light cigarette is just as addictive — that’s a smoking fact. The dangers of smoking cigarettes apply to every type. "People may inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in longer if they think they are smoking a safer cigarette, making 'light cigarettes' even more dangerous for you," warns Conway. Even electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, aren't safe: The FDA now regulates e-cigarettes just like tobacco. Don’t let this myth keep you from quitting smoking.

Light Cigarettes Are Not That Bad

"Cigarette companies know that many people associate the words like 'light' or 'mild' with the colors silver, white, or gold on cigarette packaging and assume that those cigarettes are safer. That’s another myth," warns Conway. Even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently banned the words "light" and "mild" from packaging, studies show that 20 percent of smokers still believe the myth that the dangers of smoking cigarettes are lower with some brands than others. Know these smoking facts: Other myths smokers cling to include the notions that slimmer cigarettes are safer, filters reduce the dangers of cigarettes, and reducing nicotine lowers the risk of cancer. Don't believe any of them.

Hookahs Are Harmless

Hookah smoking, in which smoke is passed through water, is becoming more popular in America, partly because many people think hookah pipes makes the smoke “cleaner” before it enters your lungs. Actually, the dangers of hookah smoking may be even greater than the danger of smoking cigarettes. "People may sit and smoke a hookah for an hour and inhale deeply. That makes the hookah about 200 times worse than one cigarette," warns Conway. Secondhand smoke myths about hookah safety are just as wrong.

The Only Danger of Smoking Is Lung Cancer

While lung cancer may be the danger of smoking cigarettes that most people worry about, many more smokers end up with heart disease. "Lung cancer is not the only risk by far," explains Conway. "You also need to worry about oral cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, lung disease, stroke, asthma, and, if you are pregnant, about harming your baby." Another smoking fact: Smoking is also a major cause of erectile dysfunction in men, just in case you need another reason for quitting smoking.

'I'm Too Old to Quit'

If you think you have smoked for too long to get any benefits from quitting, think again. Just one year after quitting smoking, you reduce your risk of heart disease from smoking by half. And there are benefits to quitting at any age. Here are more smoking facts to consider: "Quitting smoking adds years to your life and the sooner you quit the better,” says Conway. A 35 to 39 year-old can add between three to five years to their life expectancy, and a 65 year old can add an additional year. Statistics show that even at age 69 you can extend your life by quitting smoking.

'I Can Quit Any Time I'm Ready'

The truth is, the longer you smoke, the greater the dangers of smoking cigarettes and the harder it is to quit, so the best time to start quitting is now. "When I hear people say they can quit at will, I tell them to go ahead and come back if they need help," notes Conway. “About nine out of 10 end up coming back.” Statistics about quitting smoking show that, although 70 percent of smokers want to quit, only about 7 percent can do it on willpower alone. The best success rate for quitting smoking is achieved with a combination of counseling and medication.

It's Safe to Smoke at Home If Your Kids Are Out

That’s another one of the secondhand smoke myths, according to Conway. Even if secondhand smoke has cleared out of the room, third-hand smoke byproducts are left behind as residue on carpets, clothing, surfaces, and drapes. "If you can smell it, it means that dangerous, cancer- causing chemicals are left behind. This can be especially dangerous for small children crawling on the floor and putting things in their mouths," warns Conway. Children’s safety is a prime reason for quitting smoking now.

You Always Gain Weight When You Quit Smoking

This one is a partial myth. Nicotine is a stimulant and it suppresses your appetite, so when you quit, food cravings commonly go along with nicotine cravings. Although, on average, people gain about eight pounds when quitting smoking, it’s not a foregone conclusion. "Your metabolism does slow down for a while after quitting, but you can balance that by choosing exercise or a long walk to combat those nicotine cravings instead of an unhealthy snack," advises Conway. With effort you can combat the dangers of smoking cigarettes and of unwanted weight gain.

'I Only Smoke Socially'

One more common myth is that as long as you limit your smoking to just a few per day you are safe. In fact, the dangers of smoking cigarettes start after you light up cigarette number one. "Just like you can't be a little bit pregnant, you can't be a little bit of a smoker. Cigarettes are not safe at any level. Just one to four cigarettes per day triples your risk of lung cancer," warns Conway. Facing the smoking facts can be tough, but holding on to smoking myths can be a lot tougher in the long run. Take the needed steps for quitting smoking today.

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